Colorado Music Festival: What’s On Tap for 2017 at Boulder’s Chautauqua

Summertime in Colorado is a veritable bounty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Celebrating its 40th year of musical engagement and excitement in 2017, the Colorado Music Festival kicks off later this month with its six-week music program at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium. A cherished Boulder tradition, this year’s celebratory festival features an unparalleled line-up of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and musicians, making it a mainstay of summer in Boulder for music lovers across the entire spectrum.

What’s In Store and When

An embodiment of the historic founding idea of a Chautauqua as an opportunity to spread education throughout the entirety of the community, the Colorado Music Festival this year spans from June 29th through August 4th and includes a diverse array of genres and styles for the musically curious. Attendees can take in performances by internationally lauded pianists, violinists, and soloists and bask in the experience and vivacity of talents like Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni and Colorado Music Festival Orchestra.

Need an escape after the work week? The festival’s three Fresh Fridays events let patrons enjoy an hour-long concert beginning at 6:30 PM.

Thirsty for music and libations? The Festival’s three Happy Hour events that provide the opportunity for patrons to arrive at 5:30 PM for a pre-show mixer consisting of bites and samples from a variety of local restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and more, before enjoying the show.

Have kids? Bring them along. Family Concerts feature opportunities for children ages four and up to enjoy and learn about orchestral music, then participate in a Music Fair after the concert complete — with face painting and an “instrument petting zoo.”

And if all that weren’t enough excitement…

There’s a Competition, Too

Each year, the Festival also features an interactive, crowd-sourced competition where three featured composers have the chance to earn a commission from the Colorado Music Festival and a mini-residency during the festival. Want to cast your vote for your favorite? The winners are determined by donation from patrons, with the composer accumulating the largest amount in donations receiving the commission and residency. To learn more about the Click! Commission and Residency Program as well as meet this year’s competing artists, click here.

Get Your Tickets and Stay in Touch

Ready to take in some tunes? The Colorado Music Festival is a chance to relax while enjoying and benefiting from incomparable musical entertainment all in Boulder’s artful and creative community. Purchase tickets to your concerts of choice ahead of time and check in on the Colorado Music Festival’s Facebook and Twitter for news, information, and more. The full calendar for the festival can also be found here. We’ll see you there — and hum along with you.

About Lisa Van Horne

Lisa Van Horne is a freelance writer and editor. From growing up in Reno to the beaches of San Diego to the subways and train stations of New York City to Boulder's mountainous views, Lisa has been people-watching and scribbling all her life. Having found home in Boulder, Lisa enjoys learning about new people and places, taking on creative challenges, hanging out with her chocolate lab, and exploring all that Colorado offers.